Homes on West 11th Street in Bayonne are seen damaged by a fatal fire in a July 23, 2007. Journal file photo

Seeking to help create a safer Bayonne, city officials have announced an amnesty program to help rid the city of illegal and unregistered apartments.

"These types of dwellings raise a variety of concerns about safety and the quality of life in our neighborhoods," Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith. "My administration has taken the lead in addressing this serious issue in our community."

According to city spokesman Joe Ryan, the city is urging property owners to come forward so that all the units in a house comply with building, fire safety and zoning requirements.

Property owners who apply for the amnesty program will not be subject to fines and penalties while participating in the program. Ryan could not say how many unregistered units officials believe to be in Bayonne.

The program, which began in early January and will end on June 30, 2013, applies for residential properties containing a maximum of four units in which one of the units is illegal.

The City Council adopted the measure late last year.

The city is hoping to prevent tragedies like the such as the death of a Bayonne man who died in an illegal apartment during a fire in July 2007. Bahgat Mosaad, a limo cab driver, died in the attic of a two-family home on 11th Street. The attic, fire officials discovered, had "hot plates and a bed," confirming that it was being illegally used as a sleeping area.

"Broadly speaking, illegal apartments and illegal sleeping areas are not only a quality-of-life issue, but are a danger to tenants and neighbors," said Bayonne Fire Chief Gregory Rogers, adding that many of the apartments lack smoke detectors and violate fire codes. "From a life-safety perspective, this is a hazard that must be addressed."

The amnesty program requires the completion and submission of several forms. For more information, visit www.bayonnenj.org.

Questions about the amnesty application and zoning permit application should be directed to city Zoning Officer Donna Ward at dward@baynj.org, or by calling (201) 858-6110.